Lens HubLens heads to Brest with 21 squad members, three missing
RC Lens travels this Friday evening to the Stade Brestois for matchday 31, with a 21‑player roster named by Pierre Sage. Three regulars – goalkeeper Régis Gurtner, defender Jonathan Gradit and winger Kyllian Antonio – are absent from the list.
Who makes up the official squad?
| Present | Absent |
|---|---|
| Gorgelin, Delplace, Risser, Aguilar, Baidoo, Udol, M. Sarr, Abdulhamid, Ganiou, Masuaku, Bulatovic, M. Sangaré, A. Haidara, Thomasson, Sotoca, Saint‑Maximin, Thauvin, Edouard, Sima, Saïd, R. Fofana | Gurtner, Gradit, Antonio |
The group includes first‑choice keeper Paul Lazaro, defenders Gorgelin and Delplace, and star forwards Saint‑Maximin and Thauvin. Sage kept the same selection as the last two games, showing tactical continuity despite the absences.
Why are these players missing?
Régis Gurtner, nursing a thigh injury since mid‑season, could not join the trip. Jonathan Gradit, still recovering from an ankle sprain, remains unavailable. Kyllian Antonio is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, so he cannot take part in the match. The staff therefore had to reshuffle the back line and adjust attacking options.
What does this mean for the clash with Brest?
Brest, sitting in 12th place, arrives home with stable form. Gurtner’s absence leaves the goal to Lazaro, who will face the pressure of Brest’s attackers. Lens’s defense, missing Gradit, must rely on the versatility of Risser and Aguilar. Up front, the Saint‑Maximin‑Thauvin duo remains the main threat, but Thauvin’s creativity will be tested without Antonio’s support.
What can be expected from the result?
The match kicks off at 20:45, under the local floodlights. If Lens manages to keep its defensive shape, a point is within reach. A positive result would solidify its mid‑table standing and keep pressure on the teams at the top. The club’s next challenge will be to get the missing players back for upcoming fixtures.
